Nintendo has officially clarified the timeline placement for the highly anticipated Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, quelling fan speculation that has mounted since the game's reveal.
As longtime followers of the Metroid franchise are well aware, the series' intricate chronology often sparks debate, especially with major releases like this one.
Developed by Retro Studios and published by Nintendo, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is set to launch for the Nintendo Switch 2, the next-generation successor to the popular hybrid console. Insights into the game's placement in the overall Metroid timeline emerged from a recent interview with the Metroid Prime 4 development team in the renowned Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu.
While the identity of the spokesperson remains undisclosed, Nintendo provided detailed commentary on where Metroid Prime 4: Beyond fits within the series' lore. According to Nintendo’s official statement in the interview, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond takes place after the events of Super Metroid and before Metroid Fusion.
Notably, this marks the first installment in the Metroid Prime series to be set after Super Metroid, distinguishing it from earlier Prime entries—Metroid Prime 1, 2, and 3 as well as spin-offs like Metroid Prime Hunters and Metroid Prime: Federation Force—all of which were chronologically situated between the original Metroid (and its remake, Metroid: Zero Mission) and Metroid II: Return of Samus. Elaborating on this timeline placement, the Nintendo representative explained that Samus Aran’s journey in Metroid Prime 4 will take her to another dimension.
The development team intended to create a unique and original setting for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, deliberately avoiding any impact on the mainline 2D Metroid storyline.
This approach gives both series veterans and newcomers the freedom to enjoy the new adventure without needing deep familiarity with earlier entries. Despite the dense history of the Metroid franchise, Nintendo emphasized accessibility for all players.
"We wanted even those new to the Metroid universe to be able to jump in and enjoy the narrative and action of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond," a representative stated, paraphrasing Nintendo's published remarks in Famitsu.
This design philosophy is consistent with Retro Studios' previous work on the Metroid Prime series, celebrated for its atmospheric gameplay and intuitive design. The same interview also shed light on the game's creative direction.
The developers addressed why Metroid Prime 4: Beyond was not conceived as an open-world title, instead choosing a more focused structure aligned with the series' core exploration-driven gameplay philosophy—a decision likely to resonate with fans who cherish the franchise's signature style. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond's global release for Nintendo Switch 2 is poised to be a major event for both die-hard fans and curious newcomers.
With official series timeline placement and a renewed commitment to balancing innovation with tradition, Nintendo and Retro Studios aim to deliver a landmark chapter in the Metroid saga.
As longtime followers of the Metroid franchise are well aware, the series' intricate chronology often sparks debate, especially with major releases like this one.
Developed by Retro Studios and published by Nintendo, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is set to launch for the Nintendo Switch 2, the next-generation successor to the popular hybrid console. Insights into the game's placement in the overall Metroid timeline emerged from a recent interview with the Metroid Prime 4 development team in the renowned Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu.
While the identity of the spokesperson remains undisclosed, Nintendo provided detailed commentary on where Metroid Prime 4: Beyond fits within the series' lore. According to Nintendo’s official statement in the interview, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond takes place after the events of Super Metroid and before Metroid Fusion.
Notably, this marks the first installment in the Metroid Prime series to be set after Super Metroid, distinguishing it from earlier Prime entries—Metroid Prime 1, 2, and 3 as well as spin-offs like Metroid Prime Hunters and Metroid Prime: Federation Force—all of which were chronologically situated between the original Metroid (and its remake, Metroid: Zero Mission) and Metroid II: Return of Samus. Elaborating on this timeline placement, the Nintendo representative explained that Samus Aran’s journey in Metroid Prime 4 will take her to another dimension.
The development team intended to create a unique and original setting for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, deliberately avoiding any impact on the mainline 2D Metroid storyline.
This approach gives both series veterans and newcomers the freedom to enjoy the new adventure without needing deep familiarity with earlier entries. Despite the dense history of the Metroid franchise, Nintendo emphasized accessibility for all players.
"We wanted even those new to the Metroid universe to be able to jump in and enjoy the narrative and action of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond," a representative stated, paraphrasing Nintendo's published remarks in Famitsu.
This design philosophy is consistent with Retro Studios' previous work on the Metroid Prime series, celebrated for its atmospheric gameplay and intuitive design. The same interview also shed light on the game's creative direction.
The developers addressed why Metroid Prime 4: Beyond was not conceived as an open-world title, instead choosing a more focused structure aligned with the series' core exploration-driven gameplay philosophy—a decision likely to resonate with fans who cherish the franchise's signature style. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond's global release for Nintendo Switch 2 is poised to be a major event for both die-hard fans and curious newcomers.
With official series timeline placement and a renewed commitment to balancing innovation with tradition, Nintendo and Retro Studios aim to deliver a landmark chapter in the Metroid saga.
